Publisher's Summary

Rome, 63 BC. In a city on the brink of acquiring a vast empire, seven men are struggling for power. Cicero is consul, Caesar his ruthless young rival, Pompey the republic's greatest general, Crassus its richest man, Cato a political fanatic, Catilina a psychopath, Clodius an ambitious playboy.

The stories of these real historical figures - their alliances and betrayals, their cruelties and seductions, their brilliance and their crimes - are all interleaved to form this epic novel. Its narrator is Tiro, a slave who serves as confidential secretary to the wily, humane, complex Cicero. He knows all his master's secrets - a dangerous position to be in.

From the discovery of a child's mutilated body, through judicial execution and a scandalous trial, to the brutal unleashing of the Roman mob, Lustrum is a study in the timeless enticements and horrors of power.

If you’ve listened to books by Robert Harris before, how does this one compare?

More informative, less entertaining.

Which character – as performed by Bill Wallis – was your favorite?

Pompeii the Great.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Cicero's self-flattering poem.

Any additional comments?

How do I 'submit' this? Oh, now Preview is available.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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Nicholas Bennett

Caernarfon, Gwynedd United Kingdom

8/06/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Awesome"

What a great and epic story from history, expertly retold and brought to life by an outstanding actor.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Hugo

9/05/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Best reader"

The actor who tells this story is an accomplished storyteller. His accents are consistently charming and artful and his tone reflects perfectly the plot's blend of history and intrigue. Not to be rated highly enough. Cannot wait to get started on the third part

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Val

17/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wonderful narrator - great story"

It is such a treat to find a book like this - read so well - hours of pleasure. Aren't we lucky to be able to access this? A modern serendipity!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

17/03/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"In the footsteps of a hero..."

If you could sum up Lustrum in three words, what would they be?

Living with Cicero

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tiro - the man is a hero himself !

Which scene did you most enjoy?

All of it!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! laughed out loud!...some of Cicero's scathing sarcasm to his enemies

Any additional comments?

It is so well written but even so well narrated ! Bravo!! the different characters come alive and it feels like you are actually there, witnessing it all, feeling all the emotion and skulduggery and being part of the plot !! an excellent narration

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

28/11/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Loved it"

Another great adventure with Cicero and Tiro, gripping throughout.

Bill Wallis is unsurpassable as the reader.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mike Donnelly

21/11/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Poor recording quality"

I found the quality of the recording very distracting - the first word of every paragraph was missing. I contacted Audible.com via the chat line and was cut off after a few minutes without resolving the problem. Repeating the download several times didn't solve it either. I wouldn't recommend it, or Audible, on the basis of this purchase.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Philip

17/10/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Utterly Engrossing!!"

Lustrum is a worthy follow to to Imperium, sporting excellent plotting and characterisation. The oratorical grapplings of Cicero, Crassus, Caeser, and Cato are a particular highlight for this reader - truly spellbinding! Bill Wallis' narration is flawless. He remains one of my favourite audiobook narrators.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Miss J E Cooke

5/10/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Brilliant"

Brilliant second volume can't wait to start final installment. The narration brought all the characters to life

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Swanny

22/09/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Phenomenal"

I don't think I've ever been so deeply moved by the actions of historical characters. Even knowing what was going to happen, the entire novel is heart wrenching and brilliant. 5 stars.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Deborah Seton

16/09/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Stronger than the first"

Really enjoyed this book in the series - I guess it's a lot to do with development of the characters and voices. Looking forward to the next!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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